Feature: Noel Clarke, Superstar

Roll up! Roll up! Ctrl.Alt.Shift mentor Noel Clarke [1] is in line to win an Orange branded British Academy Film Award [2], which as we probably don't need to tell you, is no small feat. Nominated for the Rising Star award [3], Clarke is being pitted against up and coming stars: Rebecca Hall [4], Toby Kebber [5], Michael Fassbender [6] (that's right Fass...Bender!) and Superbad's super-geek Michael Cera [7]. With a clear champ in our eyes, we all await Sunday 8th February for the magic moment of "And the British Academy Film Award for Best Rising Star goes to..."

Here are his credentials: Clarke is the brains behind London-based urban youth dramas KIDULTHOOD [8], ADULTHOOD [9] and West 10 Ldn [10] – this is one talented guy, choosing to write, direct and star in his films. He has also been spotted in Dr Who as Mickey Smith and as Wyman in Auf Weidersehen Pet. As it stands, Noel Clarke fever is well in motion.

He is no stranger to awards either, having already bagged himself numerous awards such as the Laurence Olivier Award [11] for Most Promising Newcomer for his acting, Best Screenplay for KIDULTHOOD and Best Debut Director at the 2006 Independent Film Awards [12].

Now what makes this nomination all the sweeter is Clarke's involvement in Ctrl.Alt.Shift, having been there from the very birth of the youth movement; a journey that has seen him give a shout out to Ctrl.Alt.Shift on BBC Breakfast [13]TV nine months ago to getting onboard and agreeing to mentor one of our lucky winners of our Vice Film Competition through the processes of making their own independent film.

But aside from his contributions to Ctrl.Alt.Shift, Clarke is the epitome of someone who has his ear to the ground, who is committed to working with the youth of this generation and approaching them on their level, and aside from that someone who makes great British Films that are up to date and relevant to the society of today.

As he continues to make movements, provoking new and exciting reactions to British film, legendary status doesn’t seem a goal too far.  He is already described as Britain's answer to Spike Lee [14]. This may be a bit premature, and only time will tell what comes of this appraisal – but looking at the picture, there's little reason to doubt that Noel will remain an uncompromising presence on the Big Screen for many years to come.

In the meantime however, get on the link and vote for the guy representing the UK: http://bafta.orange.co.uk/nominees/show/2/

Words and photo: Ben Anderson